1.Mechanism of Kidney-tonifying Therapy in Treating Panvascular Disease Through "Immune-metabolic-genetic" Axis
Xuan SUN ; Jie WANG ; Zhenpeng ZHANG ; Lanchun LIU ; Yongmei LIU ; Chao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):1-11
Pan vascular disease (PVD) is a systemic vascular disorder that has become the leading cause of death among the Chinese residents, and there is currently a lack of effective systemic treatment options. Clinical practice has found that the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) method of kidney tonification can effectively intervene in PVD and target key pathological mechanisms of PVD recognized in Western medicine. Accordingly, this paper conducts research from the following three aspects: First, it clarifies that immune dysregulation, metabolic disorders, and genetic susceptibility constitute the core pathological mechanisms of PVD in Western medicine. Typical pathological manifestations include progressive vascular endothelial injury, lipid deposition, and plaque formation, ultimately leading to multi-organ damage and dysfunction. PVD activates pathways such as the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, triggering immune dysregulation; it also induces disorders of mitochondrial energy metabolism, water-salt metabolism, and hormonal metabolism, synergizing with genetic susceptibility factors (e.g., apolipoprotein E gene) to accelerate vascular homeostasis imbalance. Second, this study analyzes the intrinsic relationship between the TCM theory of "kidney deficiency" and the "immune-metabolic-genetic" axis, revealing the theoretical basis for kidney tonification in intervening PVD. The kidney stores essence, governs bones, and produces marrow, which is related to the generation and differentiation of immune cells. It regulates Qi transformation and governs water, overseeing material and energy metabolism. The kidney is the root of congenital essence and governs reproduction, closely related to genetic mechanisms. Third, by integrating modern clinical research, this study elaborates on the unique advantages and clinical value of kidney tonification in targeting the "immune-metabolic-genetic" axis of heart, brain, and kidney organs. Traditional kidney-tonifying formulas and their active ingredients improve immune-inflammatory responses, enhance material and energy metabolism homeostasis, and modulate epigenetic pathways through multiple pathways, targeting various pathways to intervene in PVD. This study systematically elucidates the scientific connotation of kidney tonification in treating PVD, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for integrated TCM-Western medicine approaches and contributing to innovation and improvement in diagnostic and treatment strategies for PVD.
2.Exploring Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment Strategies of Panvascular Diseases Based on ''Latent Pathogen'' Theory
Ruoqi ZHANG ; Jie WANG ; Lanchun LIU ; Chao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):23-29
Panvascular diseases refer to systemic vascular lesions with atherosclerosis as its common pathological basis, affecting the vascular networks of multiple organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, limbs, and large arteries. This concept transcends the limitations of traditional classifications and promotes comprehensive vascular health management through multidisciplinary collaboration. Latent pathogenic factors play a critical role in the pathogenesis of panvascular diseases. They remain dormant within the body until finding an opportunity to manifest, which aligns closely with the characteristics of panvascular diseases, including their early covert progression and subsequent adverse vascular events. According to the ''latent pathogen'' theory, this article elucidates the pathogenesis of panvascular diseases from latent pathogen, vessel damage, and healthy Qi consumption. It posits that the disease onset involves a pathological process progressing from Qi to blood, with endothelial injury serving as the initiating factor. Disease progression encompasses changes from blood to vessels, with inflammatory responses accelerating the disease course. A comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based prevention and treatment system has been developed, dividing the disease course into three stages. In the early stage, pathogenic factors lurk in the vessels, primarily manifesting as abnormal lipid metabolism. In the middle stage, pathogenic factors evolve, leading to inflammatory cascade reactions. In the late stage, pathogenic factors become excessive while positive factors decline, resulting in abnormal energy metabolism. Three core therapeutic approaches-invigorating the spleen and resolving phlegm, activating blood and resolving stasis, and reinforcing healthy Qi and nourishing deficiency-have been established to address key pathological links. In conjunction with modern medical research, the mechanisms of these methods in regulating lipid metabolism, inhibiting inflammatory responses, and modulating energy metabolism to prevent and treat panvascular diseases are explained. It is anticipated that this theoretical framework will enrich the diagnostic and therapeutic thinking in TCM for panvascular diseases and provide a theoretical foundation for constructing TCM-characteristic prevention and treatment plans for panvascular diseases.
3.Exploration in Relationship Between Mitochondrial Homeostasis Dysregulation and Panvascular Diseases Based on Theory of ''Positive Deficiency Phlegm Stasis''
Hongping LI ; Jie WANG ; Zhenpeng ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Lanchun LIU ; Chengzhi HOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):30-38
Panvascular diseases represent systemic vascular disorders characterized by atherosclerosis as their core pathological feature. Their incidence rates continue to rise, posing significant challenges for clinical management. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory of ''positive deficiency phlegm stasis'', this study delved into the pivotal role of mitochondrial homeostasis dysregulation in the pathogenesis and progression of pan-vascular diseases, along with its intrinsic connection to TCM pathogenesis. Mitochondrial homeostasis dysregulation pervades the entire course of these diseases, with mitochondrial oxidative stress serving as the initiating factor. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger endothelial dysfunction, lipid accumulation, and inflammatory initiation. Additionally, the imbalance between mitochondrial autophagy and apoptosis constitutes a pivotal link in disease progression. Excessive or insufficient autophagy may lead to the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and excessive cellular apoptosis, thereby promoting plaque instability. Furthermore, mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming impairs energy supply and function in vascular wall cells, hindering subsequent vascular repair. These pathological processes constitute the microscopic manifestation of the core pathogenesis, which is characterized by ''the intermingle of phlegm and stasis and the deficiency of healthy Qi''. Specifically, the endogenous phlegm-turbidity drives mitochondrial oxidative stress injuries, the mutual entanglement of phlegm and stasis induces an imbalance between mitochondrial autophagy and apoptosis, while deficiency of healthy Qi propels mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders and reprogramming. In view of this, this study proposed to employ phlegm-resolving and turbidity-clearing methods to mitigate mitochondrial oxidative stress injuries, phlegm-resolving and blood-activating methods to regulate mitochondrial autophagy and apoptosis, and spleen-tonifying and kidney-nourishing methods to modulate mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming. This approach can prevent and treat panvascular diseases by multi-target regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis, providing a theoretical framework and therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of panvascular diseases through integrated Chinese and Western medicine.
4.Exploring Mechanism of Chaihu Jia Longgu Mulitang in Depressive-like Rats via AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Guang WANG ; Xinhua SONG ; Jie YANG ; Jinyao XU ; Junhua MEI ; Chao CHEN ; Guohua CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):144-152
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Chaihu Jia Longgu Mulitang(CJLM) on depression-like behaviors and neuroinflammation in rats subjected to social isolation combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose CJLM groups(2.89, 5.78, 11.56 g·kg-1), as well as a fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, all other groups were subjected to social isolation combined with CUMS for 63 d. During the first 35 d, depression models were established only, and from day 36 onward, modeling and drug administration were conducted simultaneously for a total intervention period of 28 d. Depression-like behaviors were evaluated using the sucrose preference test, open-field test, and forced swimming test. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was performed to observe hippocampal histomorphology. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) was used to detect the expression levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1) and gasdermin D(GSDMD) proteins in the hippocampus. Western blot analysis was employed to determine the protein expression levels of adenosine 5′-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK) and phosphorylated(p)-AMPK, silent information regulator 1(SIRT1), nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) and p-NF-κB, NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), and Caspase-1 in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-6, and IL-1β in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a decreased sucrose preference rate(P<0.01), reduced total movement distance(P<0.01), prolonged immobility time(P<0.01), and decreased central zone residence time(P<0.01) in the open-field test, and increased immobility time in the forced swimming test(P<0.01). Hippocampal neuronal structure was damaged. The contents of Iba1 and GSDMD in the hippocampus were significantly increased(P<0.01). The protein expression levels of p-AMPK and SIRT1 in the hippocampus were significantly decreased(P<0.01), whereas the protein expression levels of p-NF-κB, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 were significantly increased(P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the hippocampus were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose CJLM groups and the fluoxetine group all were able to reverse depression-like behavioral changes, as evidenced by increased sucrose preference rate, increased total movement distance with shortened immobility time in the open-field test, prolonged central zone residence time, and reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test(P<0.05, P<0.01). Meanwhile, hippocampal neuronal structural damage was alleviated. In the hippocampus, the expression levels of Iba1 and GSDMD were downregulated, the expression levels of p-AMPK and SIRT1 were upregulated, and the abnormal elevations of p-NF-κB, NLRP3, Caspase-1, as well as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA were suppressed(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionCJLM can ameliorate depression-like behaviors in rats subjected to social isolation combined with CUMS and attenuate hippocampal neuroinflammation and pyroptosis, suggesting that its effects may be associated with the regulation of AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
5.Effects of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on postoperative anxiety and recovery in patients undergoing laparo-scopic cholecystectomy
Zhangzhen ZHONG ; Xian ZHENG ; Ting XU ; Jie WANG ; Hui CAO ; Xinggen ZHOU ; Hui LI ; Jiacheng ZHAO ; Hui LIU ; Chao ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):204-209
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on postoperative anxiety and recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS A total of 200 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Suzhou Ninth Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University from January 2023 to December 2024 were randomly assigned to control group (n=100) and observation group (n=100). One minute before the initiation of anesthesia, patients in the control group received intravenous injections of Propofol emulsion injection, Sufentanil citrate injection, and Succinylcholine chloride injection. On this basis, patients in the observation group received an intravenous injection of Esketamine hydrochloride injection. The anxiety status of patients in both groups was compared, along with their general intraoperative conditions (including sufentanil dosage, duration of pneumoperitoneum, operative time, anesthesia time, and extubation time), postoperative recovery, incidence of adverse reactions, and the need for dezocine rescue analgesia. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure, entropy index (state entropy and response entropy), inflammatory marker levels [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP)], numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain intensity were compared between the two groups at different time points. RESULTS No significant differences were found between the two groups in pneumoperitoneum duration, operative time, anesthesia time,extubation time, incidence of postoperative dry mouth, entropy index or length of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed significantly lower postoperative STAI-S scores, reduced intraoperative sufentanil consumption, decreased incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and shivering, the need for dezocine rescue analgesia, as well as lower plasma IL-6 and CRP levels at 24 h after surgery, and NRS (P<0.05). The heart rate and mean arterial pressure of patients in the observation group at the start of surgery, end of surgery, and during extubation were all significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Subanesthetic dose of esketamine can effectively alleviate postoperative anxiety, reduce intraoperative opioid consumption, suppress postoperative inflammatory response, relieve postoperative pain, and promote recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
6.Two new sesquiterpenoids from Wenyujin Rhizoma Concisum.
Yu LI ; Min CHEN ; Cheng ZHU ; Ci-Mei WU ; Chao-Jie WANG ; Jian-Yong DONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2704-2710
This study explored the active ingredients for anti-angiogenesis in Wenyujin Rhizoma Concisum. Ten sesquiterpenoids were isolated from Wenyujin Rhizoma Concisum by silica gel column chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography. According to the results of multiple spectroscopic methods and circular dichroism, they were identified as wenyujinlactam A(1),(4S,7S)11-hydroxycurdione(2), 8,9-seco-4β-hydroxy-1α,5βH-7(11)-guaen-8,10-olide(3), curcumadione(4), phaeocaulisin E(5), procurcumadiol(6), zedouronediol(7), epiprocurcumenol(8), gajutsulactone A(9), and(7Z)-1β,4α-dihydroxy-5α,8β(H)-eudesm-7(11)-en-8,12-olide(10). Compounds 1 and 2 were new sesquiterpenoids. Compounds 1, 6, 8, and 10 can inhibit human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC) proliferation with IC_(50) values of 38.83, 45.19, 32.12, and 37.80 μmol·L~(-1), respectively. Compounds 1 and 10 can inhibit HUVEC migration with IC_(50) values of 29.70 and 36.48 μmol·L~(-1), respectively.
Sesquiterpenes/isolation & purification*
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Humans
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
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Rhizome/chemistry*
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Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects*
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Molecular Structure
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
7."Kidney deficiency-vessel impairment" as core pathogenesis of panvascular diseases: theoretical and clinical perspectives.
Jie WANG ; Jun HU ; Jun LI ; Zhen-Peng ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Cong CHEN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3513-3521
Panvascular disease is a complex systemic disorder. Research by our team has established "kidney deficiency-vascular impairment" as its core pathogenesis. Consequently, we developed a three-tiered progressive prevention and treatment strategy: early prevention phase: focuses on tonifying the kidney and reducing turbidity; mid-term control phase: focuses on tonifying the kidney and stabilizing plaque; late recovery phase: focuses on tonifying the kidney and unblocking collaterals. This targeted therapeutic protocol effectively alleviates clinical symptoms, improves biochemical markers, enhances treatment efficacy, and achieves comprehensive management throughout the disease course. This article systematically elaborates on the concept of "kidney deficiency-vascular impairment" in panvascular disease, summarizes the mechanisms of kidney-tonifying Chinese herbal medicines, aiming to provide a beneficial reference for the whole-course management of panvascular diseases.
Humans
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Kidney/blood supply*
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Vascular Diseases/physiopathology*
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Animals
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Kidney Diseases/physiopathology*
8.Effect of lncRNA MANCR on Proliferation, Migration, and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition of Gastric Cancer Cells by Regulating miR-150-5p/GPNMB Axis
Chao LI ; Shihui WANG ; Jie LIN ; Fanke WANG ; Rui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):135-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of mitotically-associated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA MANCR) on the proliferation,migration, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gastric cancer (GC) cells by regulating the microRNA-50-5p (miR-150-5p)/non-metastatic melanoprotein B (GPNMB) axis. MethodsThe mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR,miR-150-5p, and GPNMB in 42 cases of GC tissue and adjacent tissue resected during surgery in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2022 to September 2023 were detected by Real-time PCR. Human gastric mucosal epithelial cells GES-1 and human GC cells BGC-823 were cultured in vitro, and their lncRNA MANCR expression was detected. BGC-823 cells were randomly separated into control group (routine culture),sh-NC group (with sh-NC transfected),sh-MANCR group (with sh-MANCR transfected),sh-MANCR + anti-NC group (with sh-MANCR and anti-NC both transfected),and sh-MANCR + anti-miR-150-5p group (with sh-MANCR and anti-miR-150-5p both transfected). The mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR,miR-150-5p, and GPNMB in the BGC-823 cells of all groups were analyzed. EdU staining was used to detect the proliferation of BGC-823 cells. Transwell assay was used to detect the migration and invasion of BGC-823 cells. The expressions of EMT-related proteins E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin, and GPNMB were detected by Western blot. The interactions between lncRNA MANCR and miR-150-5p and between miR-150-5p and GPNMB were analyzed by dual luciferase reporter assay. ResultsThe mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR and GPNMB in GC tissue were higher than those in adjacent tissue,and the expression of miR-150-5p was lower than that in adjacent tissue (P<0.05). Compared with that in GES-1,lncRNA MANCR expression in BGC-823 cells was increased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the sh-NC group and control group,the EdU-positive cell rate,migration number,invasion number,the mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR and GPNMB, and the expressions of protein,N-cadherin protein, and Vimentin protein in the BGC-823 cells in the sh-MANCR group were lower ,and the protein expressions of miR-150-5p and E-cadherin were higher (P<0.05). Compared with those in the sh-MANCR group and the sh-MANCR + anti-NC group,the protein expressions of miR-150-5p and E-cadherin in the sh-MANCR + anti-miR-150-5p group were decreased. The EdU-positive cell rate,migration number,invasion number,mRNA expressions of GPNMB, and expressions of protein,N-cadherin protein, and Vimentin protein were increased (P<0.05). lncRNA MANCR could target the negative regulation of miR-150-5p,and miR-150-5p could target the negative regulation of GPNMB. ConclusionKnockout of lncRNA MANCR can inhibit the proliferation,migration, and EMT of GC cells by regulating the miR-150-5p/GPNMB axis.
9.Effect of lncRNA MANCR on Proliferation, Migration, and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition of Gastric Cancer Cells by Regulating miR-150-5p/GPNMB Axis
Chao LI ; Shihui WANG ; Jie LIN ; Fanke WANG ; Rui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):135-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of mitotically-associated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA MANCR) on the proliferation,migration, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gastric cancer (GC) cells by regulating the microRNA-50-5p (miR-150-5p)/non-metastatic melanoprotein B (GPNMB) axis. MethodsThe mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR,miR-150-5p, and GPNMB in 42 cases of GC tissue and adjacent tissue resected during surgery in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2022 to September 2023 were detected by Real-time PCR. Human gastric mucosal epithelial cells GES-1 and human GC cells BGC-823 were cultured in vitro, and their lncRNA MANCR expression was detected. BGC-823 cells were randomly separated into control group (routine culture),sh-NC group (with sh-NC transfected),sh-MANCR group (with sh-MANCR transfected),sh-MANCR + anti-NC group (with sh-MANCR and anti-NC both transfected),and sh-MANCR + anti-miR-150-5p group (with sh-MANCR and anti-miR-150-5p both transfected). The mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR,miR-150-5p, and GPNMB in the BGC-823 cells of all groups were analyzed. EdU staining was used to detect the proliferation of BGC-823 cells. Transwell assay was used to detect the migration and invasion of BGC-823 cells. The expressions of EMT-related proteins E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin, and GPNMB were detected by Western blot. The interactions between lncRNA MANCR and miR-150-5p and between miR-150-5p and GPNMB were analyzed by dual luciferase reporter assay. ResultsThe mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR and GPNMB in GC tissue were higher than those in adjacent tissue,and the expression of miR-150-5p was lower than that in adjacent tissue (P<0.05). Compared with that in GES-1,lncRNA MANCR expression in BGC-823 cells was increased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the sh-NC group and control group,the EdU-positive cell rate,migration number,invasion number,the mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR and GPNMB, and the expressions of protein,N-cadherin protein, and Vimentin protein in the BGC-823 cells in the sh-MANCR group were lower ,and the protein expressions of miR-150-5p and E-cadherin were higher (P<0.05). Compared with those in the sh-MANCR group and the sh-MANCR + anti-NC group,the protein expressions of miR-150-5p and E-cadherin in the sh-MANCR + anti-miR-150-5p group were decreased. The EdU-positive cell rate,migration number,invasion number,mRNA expressions of GPNMB, and expressions of protein,N-cadherin protein, and Vimentin protein were increased (P<0.05). lncRNA MANCR could target the negative regulation of miR-150-5p,and miR-150-5p could target the negative regulation of GPNMB. ConclusionKnockout of lncRNA MANCR can inhibit the proliferation,migration, and EMT of GC cells by regulating the miR-150-5p/GPNMB axis.
10.Preparation and application of CD318 monoclonal antibody.
Ke CHAO ; Ziyang WANG ; Jie ZHAO ; Meijia YANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(9):818-826
Objective To prepare CD318-specific monoclonal antibodies and evaluate their specificity, affinity, and application in immunological detection, laying the foundation for the development of CD318-targeted antibody drugs. MethodsCD318 protein was expressed and purified, and was used as an antigen to immunize mice, then mice with higher antiserum titers were screened. We prepared CD318-specific monoclonal antibodies through cell fusion and monoclonal screening, and the specificity, affinity, and application of the obtained monoclonal antibodies in immunological assays were evaluated. Then we constructed a CD318/CD3-targeting bispecific antibody and assessed its impact on T-cell cytotoxicity. Results Thirteen monoclonal antibodies were successfully generated, with the hybridoma clone 13-8-G2 exhibiting the highest titer, strongest specificity, and broadest applicability. The antibody was identified as an IgG1 isotype with a kappa light chain. The variable region of the light chain measured 318 bp, while the heavy chain variable region was 357 bp, yielding an affinity constant of approximately 7.68×109. The specificity of CD318 was confirmed using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assays. Additionally, a CD318/CD3-targeting bispecific antibody was constructed using the variable regions of this CD318 monoclonal antibody, which demonstrated enhanced T-cell cytotoxicity. Conclusion High-affinity and highly specific CD318 monoclonal antibodies were successfully prepared, laying a foundation for the development of therapeutic antibodies targeting CD318.
Animals
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Antibodies, Monoclonal/biosynthesis*
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Mice
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Antibodies, Bispecific/immunology*
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Humans
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Antibody Specificity/immunology*
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CD3 Complex/immunology*
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Antigens, CD/genetics*
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T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
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Hybridomas/immunology*
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Female

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